IGNITE THE FIRE INTERVIEW

        

Ignite The Fire is:

Jack Gurecki - Vocals

Mark Quinn - Guitar

Michael Nelson - Guitar

Caelan Gregory - Drums

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BOOTLEG METAL: So let’s get things started with the name. Who came up with the name and what’s behind it?

IGNITE THE FIRE: Many people think we chose the name Ignite The Fire because it conveys a particular meaning. The truth is, our guitarist Mark created a list of names and Ignite The Fire happened to be the only name that wasn’t already a band. So, we claimed it and rolled with it.

BOOTLEG METAL:  Where is the band from?

IGNITE THE FIRE:  We are based out of Taneytown, MD.

BOOTLEG METAL: Is this the original line up and how did you guys find yourselves in the same band ?

IGNITE THE FIRE:  The band was formed by Mark and myself (Caelan) while in high school. As we got more serious about creating music we eventually added our singer Jack and our second guitarist Mike.

BOOTLEG METAL: How long has (the band) been around and how long after your first rehearsal was it before the first show?

IGNITE THE FIRE:  We often consider when we cut our first demo CD as when the band was officially formed which was in January of 2011. Our first show was an open mic at Mark and my high school when the only two current members were us. Our first show as our current lineup was a battle of the bands below an arcade. We spent a few weeks rehearsing original and cover songs. The show was cold (it was during winter with no heating system) and I was sick to the point where I had trouble sitting up behind my drum kit. All in all it was a good show… for a first show as our current lineup.

BOOTLEG METAL: Does everyone contribute to the writing process or does someone generally write the lyrics and/or music?

 IGNITE THE FIRE: We each contribute in the songwriting process. Typically, someone will come forward with a guitar riff and if we all like it we get to work. Jack and I split lyrical duties with me writing much of the lyrics. Thankfully, Jack has this uncanny ability (because I can’t sing) to figure out the melody I’m trying to convey and knock it out of the park. We all have different interests and tastes in music so every idea adds flavor to the songwriting process.

BOOTLEG METAL: What are your songs about? Fact?  Fiction? Personal experiences?

IGNITE THE FIRE:  Our songs typically deal with personal experiences or the experiences of others. Themes include loss, addiction, abuse, ect. and often times our songs are directed at coming to terms with what makes us all human and ultimately overcoming the obstacles that face us.

BOOTLEG METAL: What genre do you feel (the band) fit’s in the best and what influenced your writing to get you there?

IGNITE THE FIRE:  We’ve always been called a metal band though we’ve never really felt we fit the genre. If you could put a label on Ignite The Fire it would be Hard Rock/ Alt. Metal in the style of bands like Breaking Benjamin, Alter Bridge and Red. Naturally, our writing is influenced by the different bands we like to listen to and, of course, what we observe in terms of the outside world and ourselves.

BOOTLEG METAL: What was your latest gig? 

IGNITE THE FIRE: Our latest gig was at the Blue Fox in Winchester, VA with our very good friends in Shallow Side and our new friends in Bridge To Grace and Rachel Lorin.

9.BOOTLEG METAL: Where have you played live this year?

IGNITE THE FIRE:  We’ve been traveling, playing shows in West Virginia, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania and recently in Maryland with our friends in Like A Storm, Citizen Zero, Righteous Vendetta and Will Sims.

BOOTLEG METAL: Is there a favorite cover that always finds it’s way on your set list and is there a story behind it?

IGNITE THE FIRE:  A favorite with both the crowd and ourselves is Down With The Sickness by Disturbed. When we first toyed around with the idea of covering the song, we weren’t sure how it was going to turn out; after all, it’s a song you don’t want to have the embarrassment of messing up. But, when Jack showed us he could do the bridge part flawlessly we knew it would become a staple of our setlist.

BOOTLEG METAL: Is there a past show that stands out from the rest?

IGNITE THE FIRE:  We had the opportunity of playing a festival called Operation Rock Fest which featured Pop Evil, Nonpoint, Saving Abel, Gemini Syndrome and others. We spent the weekend camping, got drenched overnight from the rain, played to an amazing crowd and met so many awesome people.

BOOTLEG METAL: So what’s in the works for (the band)?

IGNITE THE FIRE: We recently released our new single “Breathe” and are currently in the studio working on completing a new EP which we plan to have available by early next year.

BOOTLEG METAL: What are your thoughts on your local music scene?

IGNITE THE FIRE: We’re thankful for all of the bands we can call friends and how supportive both the bands and the fans are.

BOOTLEG METAL: Is there a recent album/EP release you’d like to tell us about and where can we get it?

IGNITE THE FIRE: We recently released two new singles “Over It” and “Breathe” both of which are available to download and stream on all digital platforms.

BOOTLEG METAL: Do you have merchandise for sale?

IGNITE THE FIRE: Best place to get merchandise is at a show, but you can also buy merch from our online store: CLICK HERE

BOOTLEG METAL: Where can you be found online?

IGNITE THE FIRE:  Follow us on:

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

bandcamp

Soundcloud

BOOTLEG METAL: As far as videos, sites, merch, ect. Are you guys more of a DIY band or do you hire out?

IGNITE THE FIRE: Definitely both. We’ve made many great relationships that we can rely on but we also handle many things ourselves. The artwork for “Over It” and “Breathe” were actually done by Jack.

BOOTLEG METAL: Do you have or are you looking for a label/manager?

IGNITE THE FIRE: Ultimately, we’re looking for the right fit no matter who or what it is.

BOOTLEG METAL: How do you think downloading music whether legal or illegal affected the music community?

IGNITE THE FIRE: The music industry is trying to play catch up with an evolving music scene. The music industries resistance to change allowed for illegally downloaded music to become so popular. The focus for today for any artist that isn’t owned by the industry should be to try to get the music out to as many people as possible no matter what. Chances are if the people like your music they will come out to a show and support you in the future.

BOOTLEG METAL: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us and answering the questions. Is there anything you’d like to add?

IGNITE THE FIRE: Thank you so much for what you do for bands and artists in the music scene today and for asking us to be a part of this interview! We would also like to thank our growing and supportive fan base for helping us every step of our music career. Keep Rockin’!

KRASH KARMA INTERVIEW

Krash Karma is:

Ralf Dietel

Nicole Skistimas   

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BOOTLEG METAL: So let’s get things started with the name. Who came up with the name and what’s behind it?  

KRASH KARMA: Ralf and I came up with the name together.  We were looking for something dynamic that would include the idea of the yin and yang that represents the both of us.  It is based upon the theory that everything that goes around, comes around and with KrashKarma, when it comes around, it hits you fast!

BOOTLEG METAL:  Where is the band from?

KRASH KARMA: We are based out of Los Angeles, California.

BOOTLEG METAL: Is this the original line up and how did you guys find yourselves in the same band ?

KRASH KARMA:  Ralf and I started the band together and originally had 2 other members.  We first started playing together when Ralf needed a drummer for his previous project SUICIDE HOLIDAY. I joined in and after realizing that we work well together, eventually we decided to start KRASHKARMA which has a different concept than SH. 

BOOTLEG METAL: How long has (the band) been around and how long after your first rehearsal was it before the first show?

KRASH KARMA: The band formed with it’s original line up in 2009 and I’m pretty sure we had our first show a few weeks later.  We already had our first material ready to rock and also played some of the SH material so we just had to get it tight with the other two.  Didn’t take long.  They were pro. 

BOOTLEG METAL: Does everyone contribute to the writing process or does someone generally write the lyrics and/or music?

KRASH KARMA: We both write together.  Being the guitar player and producer that he is, Ralf is usually the one who has the initial idea in mind and we take it from there to let the song grow. 

BOOTLEG METAL: What are your songs about? Fact?  Fiction? Personal experiences?  KRASH KARMA: We want to inspire people to live their life and be free to be who they want to be.  Our lyrics reflect the feelings that we have had on our journeys and the struggles that we have battled in order to live the way we do today.  Life is short and there is no time like the present to live it.  Just be kind to each other and enjoy. 

BOOTLEG METAL: What genre do you feel (the band) fit’s in the best and what influenced your writing to get you there? 

KRASH KARMA: Our sound is a unique blend of all the music we grew up listening to from The Beatles to Slayer.  Our style includes elements from Metal, Punk, Pop, Electronic/Industrial and Alternative.  The main goal is to write a good song, not just a good riff or melody and that comes from pulling from all of our sources of inspiration to create something that is worthy to record. 

BOOTLEG METAL: What was your latest gig?

KRASH KARMA: Most recently we played a festival in Germany called RockXplosion. 

BOOTLEG METAL: Where have you played live this year? 

KRASH KARMA: We have played all over the United States and also throughout Germany. 

BOOTLEG METAL: Is there a favorite cover that always finds it’s way on your set list and is there a story behind it? 

KRASH KARMA: We like to switch up our covers, but one of our favorites is a heavy version of  “Wish you were Here” by Pink Floyd.  They are one of our all time favorites and the lyrics just really hit home to us and to our fans. 

BOOTLEG METAL: Is there a past show that stands out from the rest? 

KRASH KARMA: We played at a festival in Casablanca, Morocco that we will never forget.  There were thousands of metal kids in Metallica and Slayer t-shirts singing our lyrics like they knew us forever.  Right before we went on, we had to wait 10 minutes for the prayers to be over- which was something we had never seen before.  The love and energy was so intense and unexpected that it by far still remains one of our favorite live experiences. 

BOOTLEG METAL: So what’s in the works for (the band)? 

KRASH KARMA: We are currently writing new material for our follow up album to “Paint the Devil” that we released in 2015.  We are also booking our next tours in the US and Europe for 2017. 

BOOTLEG METAL: What are your thoughts on your local music scene? 

KRASH KARMA: Los Angeles is an amazing place to see live music.  It can be rough as there is always something going on and people have so many choices to see great music, but that’s what I love about it.  We tour very heavily and get to know music scenes all over the world and Rock and Roll is thriving in almost every city we’ve been!

BOOTLEG METAL: Is there a recent album/EP release you’d like to tell us about and where can we get it?

KRASH KARMA: Our last release is called “Paint the Devil” and you can order it from our website:  www.krashkarma.com   Also you can get it on other online platforms such as itunes and amazon.  If you live in Germany you will find it in music stores as well. 

BOOTLEG METAL: Do you have merchandise for sale? 

KRASH KARMA: Of course!! We have awesome merchandise including all of our music releases and killer t-shirts! Go to www.krashkarma.com.  We are always adding new designs!

BOOTLEG METAL: Where can you be found online? 

www.krashkarma.com

www.facebook.com/krashkarma

www.youtube.com/krashkarma

www.instagram.com/krashkarma

BOOTLEG METAL: As far as videos, sites, merch, ect. Are you guys more of a DIY band or do you hire out?

KRASH KARMA: We do almost everything ourselves.  Super DIY.

BOOTLEG METAL: Do you have or are you looking for a label/manager? 

KRASH KARMA: We manage ourselves at the moment and released our last album with Eternal Sound Records.. We are open to what the future will bring. 

BOOTLEG METAL: One question I like to ask. What song (if any) by another artist do you wish you wrote? 

KRASH KARMA: Helter Skelter by the Beatles

BOOTLEG METAL: Is there another artist or band that is totally not your genre that you listen to? 

KRASH KARMA: So so many…. Hmmmmm….. Let’s go with Johnny Cash

BOOTLEG METAL: How do you think downloading music whether legal or illegal affected the music community? 

KRASH KARMA: It gives people who would have otherwise not been heard a platform to get their music heard.  Yeah, it would be nice to have all those lost dollars in my pocket, but we’re just glad that people can find our music online  on every platform. It gives more people a chance to be turned on to our music and potentially become fans. 

BOOTLEG METAL: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us and answering the questions. Is there anything you’d like to add? 

KRASH KARMA: Support all things Metal! Spread the word, go to shows, rock the t-shirts of your favorite bands and keep the scene alive and beautiful!

MOURNING STONE INTERVIEW

Mourning Stone is: 

Wes Dinwiddie 

Adam Maxfield

Buy music here 

BOOTLEG METAL: So let’s get things started with the name. Who came up with the name and what’s behind it? 

MOURNING STONE: Great question!  Adam actually came up with the name.  Our first band logo was of a huge medieval tombstone, with a sort of purple overlay.  It was absolutely hideous!  The name really fits our personalities.  Most of our songs deal with fighting depression, anxiety, and loss; we simply draw from life experience.  Instead of drab and grim as the name may suggest, we like to keep it as upbeat as possible… but that could change at any time, who knows?  We’re not dead set on a method to the madness, how we should sound, or anything else.  We thought it was a cool name and we’re simply just being ourselves when making our music.  We make music that we love to listen to and if anyone else likes it, that’s a good bonus!  Ultimately, all we can do is be ourselves when writing new songs.

BOOTLEG METAL:  Where is the band from?

MOURNING STONE: Adam is from the United Kingdom, and I live near Houston Texas.  We actually met in person once last year for the first time.  We hung out in London for the day and had a great time!  We visited some great places to eat, hung out in some music stores and jammed for a while, talked about music and where we were going with the project, but we were just simply enjoying each other’s company.  At the end of the day, saying goodbye… that was one of the hardest goodbyes I’ve ever had to do.  Not knowing when or if we’ll ever meet up again really sucks.  We try and skype once every month or so, but we generally send a daily email, or two, or three back and forth.

BOOTLEG METAL: Is this the original line up and how did you guys find yourselves in the same band? 

MOURNING STONE: Yes, this is the original lineup.  Mourning Stone consists of just Adam and me so far.  We’re on the lookout for a drummer, but it would have to be the right person.  They would have to completely fit in with the friendship and our work ethic.  It’s not a “must have” for us, we would be just as happy hiring out the percussion.  We met on a musician networking site called Broadjam.com, where we have both collaborated with other very talented and inspiring musicians in the past.  I guess we were both in sort of a creative rut at the time we met.  I had written the music for a couple of songs and needed a vocalist/lyricist to help me out.  I was had just started reaching out across the internet and we found each other on another site, I think it was Bandmix, and when he messaged me I said, “Hey, don’t I know you from broadjam?”  What a cool way to meet up and begin a band project!  We promptly started writing and recording in January 2015, sending our tracks back and forth through drop box.  I guess we made Mourning Stone official when we produced our 6 song EP called “5 Ways to Broken” which was released in December 2015 and is of course available wherever digital music is sold.  You can hear one of those first original songs on that EP that Adam wrote lyrics for and sang.  The song is called “Give Me a Reason”, and we are very proud of that one.  Not only because it was the first, but also because it’s such a cool alt-rock tune.

 BOOTLEG METAL: Does everyone contribute to the writing process or does someone generally write the lyrics and/or music? 

MOURNING STONE: Adam will generally have the lyrical ideas… sometimes I’ll have ideas for choruses but it takes me much longer to throw a complete song together.  He will usually send me a full song demo and then we take it from there!  I usually put my spin on it, help out with writing music and arranging the song as well as coming up with my own parts.  Sometimes changing the song altogether and forcing him to rewrite lyrics to fit.  He hates when I do that!  But he’s so receptive to my ideas and just seems to run with them.  Probably why we have such a great working relationship, we play off of each other’s creativity.  He’s kind of like my launch pad, and we joke that we are musical soulmates.

BOOTLEG METAL: What are your songs about? Fact?  Fiction? Personal experiences? 

MOURNING STONE: Mostly personal experiences with some fiction all balled up together.  I think there’s a very fine line meant to be crossed in telling a story within the lyrics.  In my own writing, I usually start with what I know in my own personal experiences and observations of the world and may twist it to suit the music or make the story more interesting.  Ultimately, we must serve the song to make it our best possible work each time we produce something.

BOOTLEG METAL: What genre do you feel (the band) fit’s in the best and what influenced your writing to get you there? 

MOURNING STONE: Mourning Stone makes a solid fit within the Alternative Rock genre.  We both grew up listening to 80’s hair metal and 90’s grunge, alternative rock, nu-metal and everything in between.  We have sort of a Megadeth meets Guns N Roses and Bon Jovi sound.  Adam has a perfect 80’s hair metal singing voice, when mixed with all of our other influences, it couldn’t be anything other than alternative.  We’re not really modern rock in that we sometimes use different types of drum samples and electronic synths in most of our songs.  Although some of them may be a more straightforward, “as you would expect rock song”, where we go with production all comes down to serving the song.  If it doesn’t need synths or drum samples, it doesn’t get them.  We have been doing quite a bit more experimentation lately with adding in different elements and timbres to our music.  The last 2 songs, Rise Again and Damned and Broken (just released), we’ve played with time signature changes, and I think we pulled it off seamlessly and they are being very well received by our listeners.  Rise Again is 6/8 time and then changes to 4/4 in the bridge and back to 6/8.  Damned and Broken is a 4/4 song but we switched to 5/8 for the bridge and back to 4/4.  I love Tool, one of my favorite bands and always love how they employ different time signatures into their music.  Think Dream Theatre… the masters!

BOOTLEG METAL: What was your latest gig? 

MOURNING STONE: My greatest all time dream would be to find a drummer and a bassist and take Mourning Stone on the road.  Since that is much of an impossibility, we’ve been trying to get our performances across through our music videos which lately, we’ve both just purchased green screens to help us out.  We also try to get our fans involved by asking for their submissions for our music videos as well.  Since we haven’t found a way to engage them in a live concert setting, I feel this is the next best thing, and they LOVE it!

BOOTLEG METAL: Is there a favorite cover that always finds its way on your set list and is there a story behind it?

MOURNING STONE: We actually covered a country song by Mark Wills called “What Hurts the Most”.  It sounds killer as an alt rock song!  I guess I kind of liked it before, but I’m totally in love with our version.  That was all Adam’s idea to cover that one.  We were talking one day and agreed that we should cover a song, so I suggested that we find something that he really likes that was most comfortable for him to sing.  He sent a demo of his version of What Hurst the Most and I instantly fell in love with it!

BOOTLEG METAL: So what’s in the works for (the band)?

MOURNING STONE:  We have an ongoing campaign through twitter to find new people that may like our music, make industry contacts, and online radio airplay.  Adam is doing a killer job on his end by finding radio stations that will play our music, and I’ve been searching the twitter void for people that will listen.  It’s really great meeting new people and we have received a lot of great feedback and some die-hard support this way.  We will continue down this path we’re currently on.  It just feels “right”.  One thing we would like to do is see more support through Patreon so we can up our game.  Until then, we’ll keep doing what we’ve always done… learn to master the tools we have at our disposal.

BOOTLEG METAL: Is there a recent album/EP release you’d like to tell us about and where can we get it? 

MOURNING STONE: Our first and only EP released in December last year titled “5 Ways to Broken”.  You can find it anywhere digital music is sold and played.  We’ve gone from producing EP’s to concentrating on singles for several reasons, but I guess the main reason is to keep things interesting.  Since we’re very new and we don’t tour, it seems to work better for us to release singles every month or two with a music video to support the single. 

BOOTLEG METAL: Do you have merchandise for sale?

MOURNING STONE: Currently we have merch vailable  HERE                     

BOOTLEG METAL: Where can you be found online? 

MOURNING STONE: You can always connect and contact us through our WEBSITE, TWITTER or FACEBOOK, Also www.patreon.com/mourningstone, We have music posted literally everywhere that you would find all big name artists and then some.  Bandcamp, itunes, amazon mp3, deezer, Spotify, soundcloud and so many others.

BOOTLEG METAL: As far as videos, sites, merch, etc. Are you guys more of a DIY band or do you hire out? 

MOURNING STONE: We are what most would consider a DIY (Do It Yourself) band because we write, record, mix and master our own music.  Sometimes we seek out a mastering engineer, but lately we’ve been doing it all ourselves.  We do it all ourselves out of necessity, but this isn’t a bad thing.  It helps keep us creative by finding inexpensive or crafty ways of doing things.  Finding ways to get our fans, friends, and family members involved helps us out a lot also.  My daughter is currently designing our first REAL band / brand logo. Stay tuned for that, it looks really cool so far!  Since we are a DIY band, we seriously need lots of help to achieve our goals.  Look us up on Patreon.com/mourningstone!

BOOTLEG METAL: Do you have or are you looking for a label/manager? 

MOURNING STONE: We’re not actively searching, no.  If it happens it happens.  It’s kind of like when you’re young and single.  You won’t ever find the love of your life until you stop looking it seems.  So officially, we’re not looking.  (smiles)

BOOTLEG METAL: One question I like to ask. What song (if any) by another artist do you wish you wrote? 

MOURNING STONE: Wes: Head like a hole by Nine Inch Nails

Adam: Love like crazy by Lee Brice.

BOOTLEG METAL: Is there another artist or band that is totally not your genre that you listen to? 

MOURNING STONE: Wes: All the time!  We love all sorts of music and from many different genres.  How about T-pain and Akon.  Shhh… don’t tell anyone.  That’s my dirty little secret.

Adam: Mine has to be Lady Antebellum or Keith Urban.

BOOTLEG METAL: How do you think downloading music whether legal or illegal affected the music community?

MOURNING STONE: Adam: I'm kinda torn with this whole download thing. If it wasn't for the internet and stream/download sites Wes and I wouldn't have met or started down this awesome journey. But I love CD’s and that whole physical package.

I think it's hard for bands to make enough from digital sales/downloads to do this full time now, and as more people use streaming sites where the amounts paid to artists are soooo low, this will only get worse.

But I guess this is the age we live in and we either adapt or die!! It's just as well we musicians do it for the love of doing it really!!!

BOOTLEG METAL: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us and answering the questions. Is there anything you’d like to add? 

MOURNING STONE: Wes: Yes!  We are always looking for ways to have our fans involved in our music.  Just recently we put out a music video for our single “Damned and Broken”, watch the video to see them in action… it was a lot of fun for all of us!  The cover art for the single was done by a friend and fan as well.  This is what being an artist means to us.  Writing music that we hope others can relate to and also finding ways for them to become involved with it on another level. 

Thank you for the interview!

RIPCHAIN INTERVIEW

Buy Music here

Ripchain is:

David Ford: Vocals and guitar

Bobzilla: Bass and backing vocals

Mike Stanley: Lead guitar

Tyler Johnson: Drums

BOOTLEG METAL: So let’s get things started with the name. Who came up with the name and what’s behind it?

RIPCHAIN: No inspired backstory on this one...I wanted a ‘2 syllable’ name, so I came up with it by writing two columns of single syllable words that sounded tough or intimidating in some way. I played mix and match for a few minutes and landed on Rip and Chain. (Ironically, our sound never seemed to match our name until February 2015 when we hired Tyler Johnson on drums).

BOOTLEG METAL:  Where is the band from?

RIPCHAIN: Boise, Idaho

BOOTLEG METAL: Is this the original line up and how did you guys find yourselves in the same band ?

RIPCHAIN: I am the last survivor of the original line up. Members have come and gone over the years, each time changing the dynamic of our sound. Staying ‘style consistent’ was not a strength. It led to catastrophic losses in momentum every time someone was replaced.

BOOTLEG METAL: How long has (the band) been around and how long after your first rehearsal was it before the first show?

RIPCHAIN: The band formed 12 years ago in 2004. We were a mashup of 2 defunct local bands. We pulled songs from each former project and constructed a playable set our first month.

BOOTLEG METAL: Does everyone contribute to the writing process or does someone generally write the lyrics and/or music?

RIPCHAIN: For the most part Mike and I take turns bringing a song (a piece of clay) to the table. We work them out together as a band from there.

For the first 8 years or so, it was all on me. I wrote the songs and the lyrics and presented it to the band. There would be creative tweeks along the way as we learned the material. Although i encouraged input, i rarely received any, so I usually had most of the influence on the creative process.

It wasn’t until Robert Davis stepped in on bass in 2011, that I experienced what it was like to work with a pro. It was both humbling and inspiring. He raised the bar on the whole of the band. It was his skill level and professional expectations that ultimately intimidated and challenged the lead guitarist, (a founding member) to the point where he became frustrated and unfocused. He literally couldn’t keep up. We had no choice but to let him go. It was very difficult and he didn’t take it well. We performed as a functioning 3-piece for a year or so.

It was sometime in 2013 that Mike Stanley was recommended by a local musician. He’d never been in a band. He only had 7 years on the guitar. BUT, he was a ferocious beast that was more than capable and he came packing fully written original songs. For the first time ever, I got to be in the learner’s seat. It was and still is invigorating for me.

I do still write the lyrics but I’m not afraid to borrow from the other dudes if they have an idea.

BOOTLEG METAL: What are your songs about? Fact?  Fiction? Personal experiences?

RIPCHAIN: There are no limits to the topics. Nothing is taboo. I enjoy writing from personal experience and things that piss me off. I also love horror or science-fiction. From politics and religion to werewolves and hillbilly cannibals. Whatever is inspiring to me at the time. Sometimes a melodic passage can inspire a topic.

BOOTLEG METAL: What genre do you feel (the band) fit’s in the best and what influenced your writing to get you there?

RIPCHAIN: We seem to have landed on “groove metal”. We started out as nu-metal/thrash in the early days. (I brought the thrash side) Over time we evolved and collapsed and realigned and evolved again and so on. Because I made an effort to incorporate the influences of each member’s style, it always shaped our sound.

Currently our drummer brings his Chris Adler influence while Mike brings his Pantera influence. My roots are thrash so that element is always there. Bob writes bass lines accordingly. He’s a chameleon that can adapt to whatever style is thrown his way. Although, his rabid Steve Harris influence is always present in our music.

BOOTLEG METAL: What was your latest gig? 

RIPCHAIN: Tomorrow night. haha

BOOTLEG METAL: Where have you played live this year?

RIPCHAIN: Spokane, Portland, Bend, Burley, Reno, Boise...

BOOTLEG METAL: Is there a favorite cover that always finds it’s way on your set list and is there a story behind it?

RIPCHAIN: Nothing specific and nothing current. We used to play Prong’s Snap Your Neck a lot. Get to the Gone by Static-X was a fun one too. These days we are digging our new shit pretty hard.

BOOTLEG METAL: Is there a past show that stands out from the rest?

RIPCHAIN: The most recent show was a battle of the bands. (Our 4th one in 12 years. We’ve never won one. Popularity at the time is ‘usually’ the dictator of the winner) We had a tremendous response and a great write up. It was one of the funnest, most energetic shows we’ve ever played.

BOOTLEG METAL: So what’s in the works for (the band)?

RIPCHAIN: Writing and performing…over and over again. We are also shooting to film our first “real” video in October.

BOOTLEG METAL: Nice. Definitely share that with us.

BOOTLEG METAL: What are your thoughts on your local music scene?

RIPCHAIN: It varies. If there’s anything I’ve learned about the fans is that aside from the diehard regulars, they can be fickle. They know that if they miss us at one show, they can turn up at another. Many have drifted away altogether while we’ve watched new faces take their place. I’ve watched our crowd change faces a few times.

BOOTLEG METAL: Is there a recent album/EP release you’d like to tell us about and where can we get it?

RIPCHAIN: We just released a 4 track Ep called “Eviscerated”. I’m not sure exactly just yet what online outlets have us. I think iTunes and maybe CD Baby. Our favorite way to sell our music is at shows!

BOOTLEG METAL: Do you have merchandise for sale?

RIPCHAIN: At shows.

BOOTLEG METAL: Where can you be found online?

RIPCHAIN: OFFICIAL SITE OR listen at: REVERBNATION

BOOTLEG METAL: As far as videos, sites, merch, ect. Are you guys more of a DIY band or do you hire out?

RIPCHAIN: D.I.Y. Would love to grow beyond that though.

BOOTLEG METAL: Do you have or are you looking for a label/manager?

RIPCHAIN: We are. We will be making official submissions to viable candidates after our video for our song “The Hunt” is completed. I’m hoping for January after the Holidays.

BOOTLEG METAL: One question I like to ask. What song (if any) by another artist do you wish you wrote?

RIPCHAIN: Stairway To Heaven...for the royalties. haha

BOOTLEG METAL: Is there another artist or band that is totally not your genre that you listen to?

RIPCHAIN: Nope. Except maybe some Bobaflex. They’re like a modern day mesh of Allman Brothers, Creedence and Motley Crue. There’s no other band with their recipe.

BOOTLEG METAL: How do you think downloading music whether legal or illegal affected the music community?

RIPCHAIN: The community came out like bandits! (Pun intended!) The artists though...man talk about getting raped. Easy access to music has devalued it. BUT that’s the way it is now. Bands gotta tour and sell tickets and merchandise. The days of the high flyin’ rock star are pretty much over. It’s all good with us. Our dreams are to make a living doing what we love. We don’t need a bazillion dollars.

BOOTLEG METAL: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us and answering the questions. Is there anything you’d like to add?

RIPCHAIN: You only live once. There are no guarantees. Don’t spend a second of your life giving up.